This episode’s vocabulary
National anthem
noun — a country's official song, played and/or sung on public occasions.
Note
noun — a single sound at a particular level, usually in music, or a written symbol that represents this sound.
Bagpipe
noun — a type of musical instrument, played especially in Scotland and Ireland, from which you produce sound by blowing air into a bag and pressing it out through pipes.
Melody
noun — a tune, often forming part of a larger piece of music.
To hum
verb — to sing without opening your mouth.
Verse
noun — writing that is arranged in short lines with a regular rhythm; poetry.
To denigrate
verb — to say that someone or something is not good or important.
Questions and answers
Rory, are you ready to rock and roll?
Yes.
Off you go.
Well, I suppose no self-respecting Scottish person could ever cover this topic without wanting to focus on either Scotland the Brave, or Flower of Scotland. The reason I say that is because our country doesn't actually have a national anthem. Because it's part of the United Kingdom, which does have a national anthem. And that is God save the Queen, but Scotland has these two different ones, and they compete for the unofficial title of the Scottish National Anthem. My favourite one is Scotland the Brave. Since I think it sounds more traditional and it's easier for me to remember the words and the tune. I also think it sounds better when people play the notes on the bagpipes, or guitar or the piano. Actually, there are quite a few videos of people doing just that if you're interested. So if that's the case, then I can't be the only one who's interested in this kind of thing. The song doesn't really have a story. But it does have a central message, which is basically that Scotland is amazing, and it lives in the hearts of Scottish people wherever we are in the world. And, well, that's quite a positive thing, despite it could be the weather not being so great, for example. It's still something that people feel a connection to. I don't think the words are popular, but the sound of the melody is very recognizable. And you can hum along if you don't know how to sing the verses, for example. The chorus repeats often enough, that it's difficult to forget, though. So you can join in during that part and then sort of let the rest of it go on autopilot with the humming. I think it gets people's attention because it's quite catchy. And it's very inspiring and fun. It's all about what's great about our country and being Scottish without bringing down or denigrating other places, which Flower of Scotland does a little bit. So that's why I would always draw people's attention to Scotland the Brave over its alternatives. And I think it's a great choice for a national anthem if we ever get a real one.
What about your friends? Do they like the song?
I haven't asked them, but I suspect they do.
Thank you, Rory, for your answer! -